What type of light switch should i get?
#1
08-16-22, 09:02 AM
What type of light switch should i get?
I want to replace my current wall light switch because it's really old and worn down. It's a simple 1 button switch that you press to either turn on or off the ceiling light, like this one:
However i am planning to buy a ceiling fan next year. And i was wondering if i could control the ceiling light with 1 button and the fans with another. (Technically controlling the light isn't the most important, since i can turn the light on with my phone since i use philips hue.)
And for that, i assume i need 2 buttons? But i don't know anything about wiring. And i simply assumed if i do buy a ceiling fan, i mount it to the ceiling, plug it into the wires that come out the ceiling and that's it. I don't know anything about rewiring etc.
So if i do get a light switch with 2 buttons, does that require additional wiring once i mount my ceiling fan?
Is a double light switch necessary for a ceiling fan, or should i just buy a single button and just manually turn on the fans? if that's even possible.
Sorry for the dumb questions. I'm new to all of this.
However i am planning to buy a ceiling fan next year. And i was wondering if i could control the ceiling light with 1 button and the fans with another. (Technically controlling the light isn't the most important, since i can turn the light on with my phone since i use philips hue.)
And for that, i assume i need 2 buttons? But i don't know anything about wiring. And i simply assumed if i do buy a ceiling fan, i mount it to the ceiling, plug it into the wires that come out the ceiling and that's it. I don't know anything about rewiring etc.
So if i do get a light switch with 2 buttons, does that require additional wiring once i mount my ceiling fan?
Is a double light switch necessary for a ceiling fan, or should i just buy a single button and just manually turn on the fans? if that's even possible.
Sorry for the dumb questions. I'm new to all of this.
Top Answer
08-16-22, 09:50 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
That type of switch indicates that you're in Europe. This is a largely US/North American forum, though there are a few members who might be able to help you out with the specifics.
But in general, you probably won't be easily able to install a double switch without running more wire. The switch currently controls one load (light), and you'd need an extra wire to control the fan too.
You may be better off looking for a remote control for your fan. It's a little remote control box which would mount on the wall and control the fan speed. It's all wireless, so makes installation easier.
Lastly, please ensure that whatever you're mounting the fan to in the ceiling is rated and can support the fan's weight and movement. Here in the US we have special 'Fan Rated Boxes', which have larger screws and such to ensure they don't loosen over time with the movement of the fan. I have no idea if the same concept is needed where you are - but regardless, you don't want a spinning fan to fall.
But in general, you probably won't be easily able to install a double switch without running more wire. The switch currently controls one load (light), and you'd need an extra wire to control the fan too.
You may be better off looking for a remote control for your fan. It's a little remote control box which would mount on the wall and control the fan speed. It's all wireless, so makes installation easier.
Lastly, please ensure that whatever you're mounting the fan to in the ceiling is rated and can support the fan's weight and movement. Here in the US we have special 'Fan Rated Boxes', which have larger screws and such to ensure they don't loosen over time with the movement of the fan. I have no idea if the same concept is needed where you are - but regardless, you don't want a spinning fan to fall.
#2
08-16-22, 09:50 AM
That type of switch indicates that you're in Europe. This is a largely US/North American forum, though there are a few members who might be able to help you out with the specifics.
But in general, you probably won't be easily able to install a double switch without running more wire. The switch currently controls one load (light), and you'd need an extra wire to control the fan too.
You may be better off looking for a remote control for your fan. It's a little remote control box which would mount on the wall and control the fan speed. It's all wireless, so makes installation easier.
Lastly, please ensure that whatever you're mounting the fan to in the ceiling is rated and can support the fan's weight and movement. Here in the US we have special 'Fan Rated Boxes', which have larger screws and such to ensure they don't loosen over time with the movement of the fan. I have no idea if the same concept is needed where you are - but regardless, you don't want a spinning fan to fall.
But in general, you probably won't be easily able to install a double switch without running more wire. The switch currently controls one load (light), and you'd need an extra wire to control the fan too.
You may be better off looking for a remote control for your fan. It's a little remote control box which would mount on the wall and control the fan speed. It's all wireless, so makes installation easier.
Lastly, please ensure that whatever you're mounting the fan to in the ceiling is rated and can support the fan's weight and movement. Here in the US we have special 'Fan Rated Boxes', which have larger screws and such to ensure they don't loosen over time with the movement of the fan. I have no idea if the same concept is needed where you are - but regardless, you don't want a spinning fan to fall.
cementnoobie
voted this post useful.
#3
08-16-22, 10:48 AM
Thank you for the great reply!
I did not know that a wall switch with a single button was automatically designed for just on/off. I thought maybe there were more wires behind it that i could just attach to a double button switch. But i definitely don't have the capability or tools to run actual wiring from the ceiling behind the concrete walls towards the light switch.
So i'll just buy a single button switch and then opt for a ceiling fan with remote control like you said.
I'll have to do more research to see what kind of weight my ceiling can take. And if needed, buy extra long screws with mounting plugs. I won't be buying one until next summer, but i appreciate the heads up!
This post really helped a lot. Thank you!
I did not know that a wall switch with a single button was automatically designed for just on/off. I thought maybe there were more wires behind it that i could just attach to a double button switch. But i definitely don't have the capability or tools to run actual wiring from the ceiling behind the concrete walls towards the light switch.
So i'll just buy a single button switch and then opt for a ceiling fan with remote control like you said.
I'll have to do more research to see what kind of weight my ceiling can take. And if needed, buy extra long screws with mounting plugs. I won't be buying one until next summer, but i appreciate the heads up!
This post really helped a lot. Thank you!
